Could the Virus Damage My Photos? Assessing the Risk to Saved Images

Is Your Computer Virus-Free? Safeguarding Your Photos After an Infection

Recently, my husband inadvertently introduced a significant computer virus into our system by clicking a suspicious link from a blog. The aftermath was nothing short of chaotic; the computer became sluggish and unstable, making it difficult to operate effectively. As the situation worsened, the background unexpectedly changed, which only added to our worries when we received a phone call from someone claiming to represent Microsoft. Alarmingly, they even mentioned the last four digits of our bank account, attempting to extract further personal information. Thankfully, my husband recognized this as a scam and ended the call before any damage could be done.

With this unsettling experience fresh in my mind, I’m now faced with another pressing concern: I have a collection of important photos that I’ve been meaning to transfer to a USB drive. Unfortunately, procrastination has kept me from doing this, and now I find myself in a race against time to ensure these memories are safe. I did manage to restore the computer to a point from about a week ago in hopes of proceeding with the transfer. Windows Defender appears to be functioning without any issues, but it has not flagged anything previously either.

As we are gearing up for a factory reset of the system, I am deeply concerned about whether the photos might still harbor remnants of the virus. I want to make sure that when I finally do save these pictures, they remain untouched by the chaos that has unfolded.

Key Considerations for Avoiding Post-Virus Complications

Assess the Virus: While Windows Defender hasn’t detected any threats, it’s prudent to be cautious. Ensure that your antivirus software is fully updated and consider running a thorough scan.
Backup Photos Safely: To mitigate any risk of carrying unwanted malware, one option is to copy your photos to an external device (like the USB drive) without connecting the infected computer directly to the internet during the process.
Additional Malware Checks: Consider using a second opinion scanner such as Malwarebytes or a similar program to double-check for any hidden threats that may have slipped through the cracks.
Factory Reset: Once your photos are securely backed up, the factory reset is a good way to eliminate any potential remnants of the virus. Ensure you’ve saved all essential files before proceeding, as this process will wipe your system clean.
Stay Informed: Learn how to recognize phishing attempts and avoid clicking on suspicious